Major fee increase hits Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) applicants from March 2026
If you are an international graduate, the cost of staying in Australia may have just doubled for you. The Australian Government has implemented a significant increase to the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), with effect since 1 March 2026. The changes were introduced under the Migration Amendment (Temporary Graduate Visa Application Charge) Regulations 2026, which apply only to new applications lodged on or after 1 March 2026.
Who is affected by the increase
The VAC increase applies to most primary and secondary Subclass 485 applicants, except for primary applicants holding a valid passport from a prescribed group of countries. For affected applicants, the primary visa charge has doubled, representing a 100 per cent increase across most categories.
Eligible passport holders exempt from the increase
The VAC increase does not apply to primary Subclass 485 applicants who hold a valid passport from one of the following countries:
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Applicants from these countries continue to pay the pre-existing VAC amounts.
New visa application charges from 1 March 2026
From 1 March 2026, the Subclass 485 VAC is structured into four distinct tiers, based on whether the applicant is a subsequent applicant and whether they hold an eligible passport.
Subsequent Subclass 485: Eligible passport holders
No increase applies
- Primary applicant: $905
- Additional applicant (18+): $455
- Additional applicant (under 18): $230
Subsequent Subclass 485: Non-eligible passport holders
100 per cent increase applies
- Primary applicant: $1,810 (previously $905)
- Additional applicant (18+): $910 (previously $455)
- Additional applicant (under 18): $460 (previously $230)
Any other applicant: Eligible passport holders
No increase applies
- Primary applicant: $2,300
- Additional applicant (18+): $1,150
- Additional applicant (under 18): $580
Any other applicant: Non-eligible passport holders
100 per cent increase applies
- Primary applicant: $4,600 (previously $2,300)
- Additional applicant (18+): $2,300 (previously $1,150)
- Additional applicant (under 18): $1,160 (previously $580)
What this means for graduates and employers
This increase substantially raises the upfront cost of the Temporary Graduate visa for most applicants and reinforces the importance of:
- Correct timing of lodgement
- Accurate passport eligibility assessment
- Strategic planning where graduates intend to rely on the Subclass 485 as a pathway to skilled or employer-sponsored visas
Applications lodged before 1 March 2026 are not affected by the increase.
What this means for graduates and employers Need advice?
In response to the Subclass 485 visa application charge changes, Absolute Immigration continues to support international graduates and employers with:
- Clarifying eligibility and confirming the correct visa application charge based on passport status
- Strategic advice on timing, lodgement and pathway planning following the Temporary Graduate visa
- Guidance on onward visa options, including skilled and employer-sponsored pathways where appropriate
- Support navigating Department of Home Affairs requirements as policy and fee settings evolve
If you need clarity or assistance in planning your Subclass 485 strategy, our team is here to help. Contact aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com for tailored immigration advice.
